But this ban is only the latest episode in a slow phase-out of the various specifications of the energy-inefficient incandescent lightbulb. The 100W bulb was banned two years today – along with all frosted bulbs. The 75W bulb went this time last year, and it will be the turn of the 40W and 25W bulbs this time next year.

As far as I'm aware, we've so far survived the period to date without the 100W bulb. I'm confident, therefore, that we'll all pull through this period of grief for the 60W bulb. What hasn't helped the transition, though, is the common perception that the replacement bulbs on offer are not up to the job. Furthermore, the principal replacements - compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) - are deemed to be much more expensive.

But, to me, it seems a waste of time reminiscing about the old bulbs. They served us well for over a century, but the ban is not now going to be reversed. Our time would be better served isolating the best replacement bulbs on the market. Over the years, I've looked into this subject a fewtimes. For example, in 2009, Which? rated the General Electric Elegance T3 as the best replacement bulb on the market. I've also successfully road tested the Varilight dimmable CFL.

It seems sensible to throw this out once more to readers, though, in an effort to crowdsource our way to finding the best bulbs available. What are your experiences? Have you found a replacement bulb that you're happy with? Have you had any joy with LED replacements, which are often hailed as "the future"? Or are you one of these people we hear so much about who is stockpiling hundreds of incandescent bulbs in a cupboard?